Conscription in Cyprus
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Military service in the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus is mandatory for males born of a Cypriot parent, members of the Greek Cypriot community. Its duration is 24 months.[1] Until 2007, conscription was optional for members of the three religious groups, i.e. Armenians, Roman Catholics (the Latins), and Maronites.[2] Members of the Turkish Cypriot community are not conscripted into the National Guard. The obligatory service is usually 24 months, however it can be reduced accordingly, up to 3 months. Foreign nationals who acquire Cypriot citizenship are also conscripted, for a period of 14 months.[3]
All male residents of the island, or visitors who have a parent of Cypriot extraction, who are of military age (16 and over) are required to obtain an exit visa from a Defence Ministry office.
Proposals for reducing the consciption
A motion for reduction of military service from 24 to 14 months, while recruiting the necessary number of professional soldiers was backed the Democratic Rally.
The chairman of the party Nicos Anastassiades during his press conference presented the proposals of Democratic Rally on Defence, saying that by that way the Cyprus National Guard will be transformed into a modern semi-professional army.
Referring to the economic aspect of his proposal, he has said that for only 4 to 5 years the state would incur additional costs but then the cost will be reduced.
References
- ↑ http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/mod.nsf/dmlservice_en/dmlservice_en?OpenDocument
- ↑ http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/mod.nsf/All/B0EAEC722F159FB9C22576000026AFB4?OpenDocument
- ↑ http://www.easterncyprus.com/archive/british-cypriot-children-joining-army-38008.htm
